I’ve always been mistaken for being younger than I am. People are surprised when they hear that my age is north of 40 these days. I frequently get grouped into the younger–but not too young moms. Maybe it is because my kids are still so young. Or maybe it’s because I inherited REALLY good skin.

Who knows.

But here’s the thing. I’m starting to feel my age. It takes a little longer to get out of bed in the morning–even with a four month old alarm clock in the next room. And those areas around my eyes that used to just crumple then flatten when I laughed and smiled are starting to perpetually look like a t-shirt left in the dryer for two days too long. I’ve been dabbling in SnapChat but I’m pretty sure that I have no idea what the hell I’m doing. This was verified when I was texted to say that I shouldn’t be sending snaps and posting them to my story as well. What does that even mean?! And why doesn’t SnapChat have some sort of instruction manual?!

I. Feel. Old.

I remember hanging out at my favorite watering holes as a cool gal of 26 or so thinking I owned the world. There were these women that hung out there, too. One was named Sharon, I think. They were a little flashy with large graphic prints before LLR was a thing. They wore too much makeup and loud shirts. They seems desperate and dated. They were stuck in a time about 15 years prior.

I, on the other hand, preferred to be understated in my classic black or metallic sleeveless (or cowl neck depending on the season) top. I may have added a muted animal print purse because–didn’t we all? My perpetual smokey eye and extra glossy lips highlighted my…well…highlights.

If I were to go out to the same watering holes today, you know, if they hadn’t been replaced long ago, I would be one of those desperate looking women trying to recapture her youth and there would be a crew of new 26 year old gals looking at me with sad eyes thinking I was trying too hard with my tunic tops and loud leggings (Shut up. They are comfortable).

What would I even order? Are jagerbombs even a thing anymore?! How about red headed sluts? Do people order those? Beer never goes out of style, does it?!

See what I mean? I would be lost. And guess what. I. Don’t. Care. I’m happy where my life has taken me. It’s been an unpredictable ride, to say the least. And that’s OK. I don’t have the energy for the hangover anyway.

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17 Comments

I really enjoyed your voice and humor here. You definitely started my day with a smile and I can relate to a lot of what you’ve written. The other night I was sending silly selfies to my daughter. She texted back something like–the pictures are cute, Mom, but did you mean to post them in your story. Huh?Uh…no….

Finding new ground to settle into is part of getting older, I guess, and I know that feeling of being out of loop (three teenage boys will do that to you). Make your own loops. And just keep on learning.
Kevin

Oh my gosh, your post made me think and giggle and nod my head in agreement this morning. Let’s hear it for comfortable leggings and living past the days where our main goal at night was to see how many heads we could turn at the bar. Hubby and I are now enjoying our first year of empty nesting, and can I say how nice it is to run to the laundry room in my underwear to get my clothes out of the dryer without worrying about scarring my children?

Your post rings so true on so many levels. Comparing ourselves to those above and below us on the ladder of time can prop us up or beat us down until we remember who we are! Like it or not we all get ‘there’ and when we do, if we are lucky, we will be ok with that. Enjoy your 4-month old alarm clock and just don’t look too closely at those eyes in the morning, lol. And keep writing, I enjoyed your post!

A word of encouragement: There’s a LOT that gets better with age, really! I can relate to recognizing those critical differences in the decades both in appearance and priorities. Happy sailing into the next several years, they shan’t be dull!

“And those areas around my eyes that used to just crumple then flatten when I laughed and smiled are starting to perpetually look like a t-shirt left in the dryer for two days too long.

F’n brilliant. I wish I wrote it first, damn.

Now back to the slice at hand, I loved it. It was funny and had just the right amount of self-deprication. The end was the best part, in my opinion. It’s right on, man. You’ve got this 40 thing down and you have babies. BABIES! Maybe my fav slice this March yet. Although they’ve all been great.

I recall in your response to a recent comment of mine you suggested you were older. I would have had no idea. Yes, you look so young! I am nearing the end of my 20’s and I already feel old in my old hang-out spots. haha! But I truly dont mind it; I embrace it… most of the time! haha